Overview
Cyrtomium falcatum is a tufted ferns in the genus Cyrtomium, part of the Dryopteridaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Cyrtomium falcatum grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit and low maintenance. Suggested uses include rock garden. It is native to E Asia.
About
Cyrtomium falcatum is an evergreen fern that can lose its foliage in colder climates. It develops a dense cluster of leathery fronds that can reach lengths of up to 70 cm. The fronds are pinnate and feature dark, glossy green leaflets that are broadly shaped like sickles.
About the genus
Cyrtomium consists of either evergreen or deciduous ferns that form tufts. Their leaves are simply pinnate, featuring pinnae that are shaped like sickles. Spores are dispersed across the underside of the frond.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cyrtomium
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Cyrtomium falcatum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Rock garden
- Native to
- E Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cyrtomium falcatum
- Cultivation
- Can be grown outdoors in a moderately fertile, humus-rich soil but will require protection from frosts
- Pruning
- No pruning required but frost-damaged fronds can be removed in spring
- Propagation
- Propagate by spores sown at 16°C in late summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Cyrtomium falcatum?
Can be grown outdoors in a moderately fertile, humus-rich soil but will require protection from frosts.
Where is the best place to plant Cyrtomium falcatum?
Cyrtomium falcatum prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cyrtomium falcatum need?
Cyrtomium falcatum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Cyrtomium falcatum?
No pruning required but frost-damaged fronds can be removed in spring.
How big does Cyrtomium falcatum grow?
Cyrtomium falcatum reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Cyrtomium falcatum hardy in the UK?
Cyrtomium falcatum has a UK hardiness rating of H3.
How do I propagate Cyrtomium falcatum?
Propagate by spores sown at 16°C in late summer.